MANSFIELD TOWN 0, OLDHAM ATHLETIC 0
On a weekend of upsets in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup, Oldham Athletic avoided becoming victims of another following a goalless draw at Mansfield Town.
While Salford City defeated Notts County from three divisions higher and League One rivals Barnsley came to grief at non-league Altrincham, Latics also faced a banana skin at the One Call Stadium, though only one league separated the two teams.
It was still a challenge with Mansfield a big, strong, physical side that is flying high in League Two. And with Latics languishing in the lower reaches of League One only 11 places separated the two teams.
There was little to separate the two teams in what was an eminently forgettable cup tie that will not linger long in the memory.
And Latics’ manager David Dunn was able to take positives from the game as well as negatives.
While Latics defended well to keep a rare clean sheet – Cameron Dummigan made two second half goalline clearances – Dunn was critical of his side’s efforts at the opposite end of the field.
He was unhappy with how little Latics created, especially with a forward line of the vastly experienced Ricardo Fuller and Michael Higdon.
Latics had a team further depleted by late injuries to goalkeeper David Cornell and central defender James Wilson while Jay Fulton was ineligible and captain Liam Kelly suspended.
It meant Timothee Dieng was drafted into the centre of defence, Dominic Poleon operated wide right and with the bench including Dunn as well as youngsters Rasulo, Byrnes and Renshaw.
Latisc had the first chance of the game when Mark Yeates cut in from the left before his shot was deflected over the crossbar.
Danny Philliskirk also had an effort deflected while Fuller fired narrowly wide.
Mansfield’s best chance of the opening period came one minute before the break when Reggie Lambe, completely unmarked, headed over from six yards.
The second half failed to ignite, though Mansfield ought to have taken the lead when Matt Green knocked the ball past keeper Joel Coleman, but Dummigan appeared from nowhere to clear the danger.
Lee Croft replaced Fuller after 55 minutes and almost immediately he could have given his side the lead when his curled effort that was palmed to safety by keeper Brian Jensen.
Latics brought on on-loan Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Giorgio Rasulo with 20 minutes left and he gave the side vitality going forward that they had previously lacked.
But Mansfield hit back and could have snatched victory in the closing stages, but for the intervention of Dummigan with another goalline clearance.
Latics, too, might have won the game outright when Mark Yeates pulled the ball back for Danny Philliskirk whose shot was deflected over the crossbar.
And Latics had to play the closing minutes with 10 men when, having used all three substitutes, Dieng limped off.